SAN DIEGANS TO HOLD MEMORIAL RUN FOR BOSTON

San Diego 
A week after bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon finish line, killing three and injuring more than 180, runners across the globe plan to pound the pavement in solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.

San Diego runners and walkers are organizing Boston Strong San Diego, one of nearly 100 informal memorial runs taking place from Rancho Cucamonga to Paris, France.

Boston Strong San Diego is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Monday at De Anza Cove off Mission Bay Drive. It is a 3- to 5-mile course. About 1,000 participants are expected thus far.

Local organizers Jennifer Simpson and Melissa Elizabeth Kirkham say the idea came from
pavementrunner.com, which is organizing the global event online. According to the event’s website, the run aims to be: “A run for us to unite and show our strength. A run for those that were unable to finish. A run for those that may never run again. A run for us to try and make sense of the tragedy that has forever changed something we love.”

Simpson, 23, said she is relatively new to the running community, but she felt strong emotions when she saw the attack on the marathoners and their supporters.

“I initially felt very bad for the people who weren’t able to finish, and for the people who might never be able to run again,” she said. “And I feel bad for the people who were so close to the finish line, and so close to achieving their dreams.”

She then felt the need to support the spectators who were injured and killed in Boston.

“The spectators are really what make our sport, and it’s time for us to support our supporters.”

Simpson said the city permit for the event was treated as a First Amendment protest, making it free. Otherwise it would have cost her $800 plus insurance to organize Monday night’s run.

Anyone can participate, and runners are encouraged to wear a race shirt, or Boston-themed colors, such as blue and yellow, in honor of the Boston Marathon.